Day 3

The Bell Jar Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

1

Who is Constantin, and what is his role in the novel?

(5 minutes)

Constantin is the simultaneous interpreter who works at the UN. Buddy's mother arranged for their meeting. He is one of the first "real men" Esther meets, whom she considers allowing to seduce her. He treats her kindly but is only interested in making a professional connection.

2

Who is Eric? How does he compare to Constantin or Buddy?

(5 minutes)

Eric is a college boy who is in love with his cousin and vows to see prostitutes before he has sex with his wife. He presents a perverted idea of sex and sexuality that is thematic to the novel. He contrasts with Buddy, Esther's college boyfriend who is more interested in...

The Bell Jar Questions and Answers

During the movie, Esther begins to feel sick, so Betsy accompanies her back to the hotel. In the cab back to the hotel, Esther and Betsy both vomit, and the next thing that Esther remembers is seeing someone else's shoe. All of the girls have food...

Esther approaches the movie with a combination of cynicism and sarcastic detachment; she expresses a dissatisfaction with Technicolor movies nearly equal to the dissatisfaction she displays when she and the other girls have food poisoning.